Frequent hand-washing and showering causing your skin to be dry and flaky? Check out these moisturizing tips & tricks below!
It's all about the ingredients:
Hydration, repairing skin damage and maintaining the protective skin barrier are essential for a daily use body lotion. Niacinamide, ceramides (lipids that restore the protective skin barrier), hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and glycerin are ingredients among others that further promote hydration and critical for restoring damaged, dry skin. Such ingredients are among the most essential in an effective and reliable body lotion. We caution patients on utilizing body lotions containing numerous natural botanicals, which may trigger a rash (allergic or irritant dermatitis) and are often irritating and drying.
In general, when searching for moisturizers ointments are better than creams which are in turn better than lotions. It is important to choose a moisturizer that is safe to apply on the face and/or body. I frequently recommend avoiding lotions that contain various botanical ingredients and fragrance as these may be irritating to the skin and worsen skin rashes and eczema.
Depending on the skin type and where the lotion is going to be applied here are a few recommendations:
(1) Overall top pick for "Dry, sensitive skin":
My top pick for the best overall body lotions are the LaRoche Posay Lipikar Body lotion (Amazon, drugstores, Ulta) or the LaRoche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer (Amazon, drugstores, Ulta), both of which are lightweigtht, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy body lotions. In my eczema and psoriasis patients, I find that both products are excellent for dry, cracked skin to further supplement prescription topical steroid use. Ingredients are safe and above all else provide optimum hydration with minimal irritation, both of which are favorites among my skin of color patients with acne-prone skin.
(2) Extreme, dry cracked hands:
The search for a non-greasy, yet hydrating hand cream can be a daunting task for many of my patients, especially those with hand dermatitis. I highly recommend the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (drugstores, Ulta, Amazon). This product contains a high concentration of glycerin, an important player in restoring moisture and the protective skin barrier. Fragrance-free, lightweight, non-greasy and translucent formulation is ideal for those frequent hand-washers.
(3) Acne-Prone dry skin:
When moisturizing your body, avoid using the same moisturizer for your face. Body lotions are often comedogenic, plugging up pores and leaving a greasy, residue on the face. When shopping for moisturizers for the face it is important to look for products that are “noncomedogenic” or safe for “acne-prone” skin. Our recommendation: Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating facial cream (Target, Amazon, drugstores, Ulta). Infused with hyaluronic acid, this product “boosts” the skin hydration, improving the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier while not leaving behind an unwanted greasy or oily residue. Ingredients are safe and effective and gentle for patients with sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin. The hydrogel provides a cooling sensation in addition to the added benefit of a rich moisturizer—quintessential for a morning or nighttime facial moisturizer.
(3) Anti-aging:
My top pick of a body and face lotion that functions as a non-comedogenic anti-aging moisturizer is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream (drugstores) and CeraVe Eye Renewing Cream (under-eye dryness). Containing ceramides, retinol cream, hyaluronic acid and sunscreen collectively help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing the skin’s natural barrier and most importantly, preventing further moisture loss—often responsible for worsening “crepey-like” textural changes.
(4) The best affordable body lotion:
My top recommendation in those in search for a body moisturizer that won’t break the bank is petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has been a staple in numerous households for a majority of my patients for various ailments including dry skin, rashes, nosebleeds, and cosmetic purposes. In my patients suffering from dry skin, especially in the winter months, we recommend greasing their body after showers with petroleum jelly—leaving your skin feeling silky smooth after showers. Ingredients are safe and effective and gentle for patients with sensitive, dry skin.
*Disclaimer: No profit or commission is attained by the Skin the Surface and/or contributors for products and recommendations listed above.